Academic Bio
Ronja has a degree in vocal technique from Musician’s Institute in Los Angeles, CA, where she graduated outstanding student in 2009. She is currently writing the next Vocal Book series for Modern Music School in collaboration with Trinity College of Music in London. Being a part of the management team at her school has inspired her in working towards a bachelor’s degree in business management. She is curently a part time student at Pasadena City College and hopes to transfer to a four year degree after she finishes her Associates degree.
In her work life Ronja Petersen is a music teacher at Modern Music School with a specialization in advanced vocal technique at their branch in Pasadena, CA. She is interested in the complexity of the voice to evoke emotions and the effect that the presence of music has in our lives, especially on the level of personal development. More specifically, her work examines healthy vocal technique using proven exercises catered to the individual needs of the voice. She is currently acting as the head of the vocal department at Modern Music School International, which includes the interviewing of new teachers and hosting educational seminars based on the education of voice technique and teaching styles.
My story
I have always enjoyed being involved in projects where people come together and create something. Be it a lesson plan for the students at my work, writing songs with my band, or arranging a party with friends. Growth, development, and creation have always been big elements in my life.
In 2008 I had a big choice to make: business degree or music career. I just could not shake the music, and after a self development course in New Zealand filled with extreme sports, psychology classes, and life experiences, I decided that if I did not give music a chance I would be one of those people looking back for the rest of my life thinking “what if.....”. Six years later, a degree in vocal technique, a husband, and a move from Denmark to the United States, I am so happy that I got the chance to play and sing my heart out, meet my amazing husband, and grow to love California though I do get homesick from time to time. I reached my goal of working with music. I am currently writing the new vocal book for Modern Music school who owns 80 schools world wide and performing with my band regularly.
My hunger for development has started itching again though. Now I need to get that business degree or I will be wondering “what if...” for the rest of my life. My first step was to see if I could fit studying into my everyday life without being too busy to enjoy it. The history class that you see under “coursework” was that first step. It has been so great to have a deadline on the reading and someone giving me feedback, both my classmates and my teacher. I feel invigorated by the growth of my learning and the prospect of having a business degree in the future. I am not sure what area of business I will go into yet. I might want to start my own music school one day or become more involved with the commercial side of the music industry. Only the future will tell. But for now, taking the classes and knowing that I am on my way satisfies my “itch”.
